September News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

June 19^th was an important day for Springfield. It was the day Springfield's September 11^th Monument was dedicated. The World Trade Center artifact stood tall in front of a wall bearing the names of the 498 first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

On September 11^that 10am, we will gather again in front of the monument for Springfield's September 11^th Remembrance Ceremony. We hope you will join us in Riverfront Park as we remember the lives that were lost, those that we continue to lose because of the terrorist attacks, and honor those that continue to protect our freedoms and our lives.

- Judy Matt

President

Remembering September 11th

For the first time, Springfield's September 11 ^th Remembrance Ceremony will be held in the shadow of Springfield's September 11 th

Monument in Riverfront Park. At 10am, May or Domenic Sarno will bring greetings from the City of Springfield. Remembrances on behalf of their colleagues will be offered by Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi,

Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Colonel Peter Green, III, Commander of the 104 ^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base and Patrick Pickering, American Medical Response Regional Director for Western Massachusetts and Metro New York.

Bishop Mitchell Rozanski will offer the invocation. Vanessa Ford will sing the National Anthem. WWLP-TV22's Barry Kriger will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The fire bell will be rung. Emergency vehicles will roll out. A wreath will be laid. There will be a rifle salute and taps will be played.

It is an inspiring and moving event.

Taste Buds Delighted

In advance of the City of Bright Nights Ball, a distinguished panel of tasters sampled MGM Springfield's menu for the November 9^th gala. There were miniature chicken tacos with tarragon crema and radish slaw, seared scallops, compressed watermelon with feta cheese and aged balsamic.

They sampled the salads. There were mixed greens with citrus vinaigrette, poached lobster, roasted duck, torchon foie gras, and for vegetarians and those with seafood allergies, the salad includes rainbow cauliflower, ratatouille, basil dressing with microgreens.

Dinner offerings were served as a duo plate with seared halibut and

braised short rib wrapped in prosciutto. The vegetarian option, which was equally delicious, features grilled root vegetable steaks. It was all put together by Executive Sous Chef Chris Smigel, Banquet Chef Brittany Boone and their team.

It only got better with the dessert. It was a trio of sweets created Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Jones.

Bright Nights 5k Road Race

On Monday, September 16^th as the clock strikes 12am, registration for the Bright Nights 5K Road Race will open online at

brightnights.org. There will be 500 spots available. Each comes with the unique opportunity to run by and through the magnificent lighting displays, a souvenir shirt, a ticket to return to Bright Nights in the comfort of a car, and a post-race soup supper.

The Brigh t Nights 5K Road Race will be held Monday, December 2 ^nd (Rain Date: December 3 ^rd ). Since refunds and substitutions are not allowed, runners should be prepared to participate on both dates.

The race starts under the Seuss Land Arch. The runners take the tour to the Giant Poinsettia Candles and returns by way of the aquatic gardens, back through Seuss Land towards the Poinsettia Fantasy entry.

Neighborhood News

Mercedes-Benz of Springfield is lending its support to Chris Thibault's fight against cancer, and Bright Nights at Forest Park is donating tickets. On September 7^th and 8^th, there will be a car wash, a car show and more. The first 50 people to get their car washed will receive a complimentary ticket for a car full of holiday revelers to enjoy Bright Nights during its 25^th season.

Five years ago, Chris Teebo Films reached out to the Spirit of Springfield with a desire to create a video that would capture the magic of Bright Nights. He and his wife, Missy, and their growing family, continue to use their c inematography and editing skills to bring Bright Nights to light.

New to The Spirit

Welcome Anthony Carratozollo to the Spirit of Springfield Board of Directors. Anthony serves as the Vice President of Hospitality for MGM Springfield and has been a fan of the Spirit of Springfield since he arrived in the Springfield more than a year ago.

His roots are in Upstate New York. He spent five years in Las Vegas as Executive Director of Food and Beverage for MGM Resorts International. Prior to that he was Director of Food and Beverage Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In This Issue

Remembering September 11th

Taste Buds Delighted

Bright Nights 5K Road Race

Neighborhood News

New to the Spirit

Guest Column - Commissioner B. J. Calvi

Bright Nights Season Pass

GUEST COLUMN

Commissioner B. J. Calvi

Springfield Fire Department

When I reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 I am struck by the feelings of sadness and pride at the same time. I can still remember how there was not a cloud in the early fall sky and how the morning was crisp as the seasons were beginning to change. The attack perpetrated that day brought out the best in this Country but cost the lives of so many brave Americans.

The sadness that I feel related that day is not only for the innocent citizens that lost their lives in the planes and in the buildings that were attacked but also for the men and women of the uniformed services that marched into those building knowing that they may not come back out. These men and women doing the same jobs as I do and many of my close friends do did not hesitate. They ran in climbed the stairs and did what was needed to save countless lives that fateful day.

The dichotomy of the act of these brave men and women also instills a great sense of pride in the protective services that I am a member. Firefighters, Police Officers and EMS personnel knew that they may not be coming home and did what we all do. They took a breath leaned into the task at hand and went to work. The work that we all do is not the glamorous work that is shown on TV. It is dirty, hard and dangerous. These men and women knowingly went into hell on earth many paying with their lives. This sacrifice was not in vain and I will never forget that day or the sacrifice made by these men and women to protect human life and keep the Country safe.

I hope you will join with me, the Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Police Department and the Spirit of Springfield on September 11th as we remember the lives that were lost.

ROAD RACE

REGISTRATION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

12am

Only 500 spots

Dates for 2019

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Wednesday, September 11th

10am

Riverfront Park

City of Bright Nights Ball

Saturday, November 9th

6:30pm to 12am

MGM Springfield